NBA Legend Urges Celtics To Trade For $175 Million All-Star

It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics need a starting-caliber big man in the near future. Neemias Queta has been exceptional since stepping into the role, but it’s clear that his long-term place within Joe Mazzulla’s rotation is with the second unit.

Multiple centers have surfaced as potential trade targets over the past few months, with Ivica Zubac being the most recent. However, legendary NBA guard Isiah Thomas believes the Celtics should be aiming a little higher.

During a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Thomas explained why Boston should explore the possibility of bringing Anthony Davis to the TD Garden.

“I think there are four teams in the East that, if they make a trade for AD, I think they become the favorite,” Thomas said. “And one of them I’m gonna throw out here is probably not being talked about as much, but if Boston makes a trade for AD, the way Boston is playing right now, and Jaylen Brown…I mean, Boston right now has a chance to elevate to that, you know, championship level again if they were to pull off a trade.”

Boston previously held an interest in acquiring Davis before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him in 2019. At that time, Davis’ father made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want his son joining the franchise.

However, Davis may find the situation has flipped, with Boston no longer interested in his services. After all, Davis is 32 years old and comes with significant injury issues. His current three-year $175 million contract will see him earn $54.1 million this season, rising to $62.7 million in 2027, assuming he opts into his player option. Brad Stevens is unlikely to make such an expensive gamble.

When healthy, Davis is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA. The problem is, those healthy periods are becoming few and far between. So, while Thomas is correct in what he’s saying, the Celtics would be better served looking elsewhere for an upgrade at the center position.